Literature mustn't subserve cause of change: Bhyrappa

Addressing a gathering after receiving Saraswati Samman award in the national capital, he said if literature was used for the uplift of the downtrodden or modernity, it would never remain literature for long.

Literature is not against change or modernity in society, but it should not lose its identity and freedom. Literature itself is a vast, possibly the widest field in which all the values of life can be explored, than in any intellectual activity.”

Indian Council for Cultural Relations president Karan Singh presented the award. K K Birla Foundation president Shobhana Bhartia and the jury which selected Bhyrappa - headed by former Chief Justice of India G B Patnaik - was present at the function.

Bhyrappa was chosen for the award for his novel “Mandra”, one of the most acclaimed works among his write-ups. The award constituted by K K Birla Foundation consists of Rs 7.50 lakh, a citation and a plaque.